The Operation Halt task force has ramped up its efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, focusing on the destruction of equipment used for mining in river bodies. In a recent crackdown on the Pra River in the Central Region, the task force dismantled 10 Changfans, seized a pistol, and destroyed eight water-pumping machines. This follows an earlier operation on the Birim River in the Eastern Region, where 30 pieces of mining equipment were burned on the first day of the initiative.
According to Colonel Eric Tenadu, Commander of Operation Halt, the task force’s swift move from the Eastern to the Central Region was part of a strategic approach to outmaneuver illegal miners and prevent them from relocating their operations. This phase of the operation is expected to last two weeks and will target major rivers like the Pra, Birim, and Ankobra, which have been severely polluted by galamsey activities.
Col. Tenadu highlighted that the focus of this phase is on clearing water bodies, rather than lands, with the goal of dismantling illegal mining infrastructure and deterring future environmental damage. He added that the task force will be unpredictable in its movements to catch illegal miners off guard.
The deployment of military personnel, engineers, police officers, and environmental experts reflects the government’s strong commitment to addressing the galamsey crisis. The operation has been welcomed by environmental groups, although many are advocating for long-term solutions to prevent miners from resuming operations after the task force withdraws.